Product manual

Introduction 1
1
Introduction
About the Ultrium tape format
The Viper® 200 complies with the LTO Ultrium 8-channel format specification U-18.
The Ultrium tape format is specifically designed for maximum data storage capacity.
The Ultrium format achieves this high capacity by using long (600-meter) and wide
(1/2-inch) tape media. Data is recorded in 384 tracks, grouped in four bands, each
bounded by two servo tracks, for extreme reliability.
The Ultrium tape cassette uses just one tape reel, instead of two. This maximizes
the amount of tape that can fit in a single cartridge, since space within the cartridge
is taken up by the tape, not by tape reels. Despite its ultra-high capacity, the Ultrium
cartridge is thinner than other existing single-reel cartridges. It measures about 4
inches square and is a little more than 3/4 of an inch thick. For more information,
see “Ultrium Tape Format“ on page 45.
Open format, open opportunities
One of the missions of LTO technology was to provide an open-format specification
where multiple manufacturers could obtain a license, providing the foundation for
new, improved Ultrium products. This goal has been reached, with more than 25
licensees supporting the Ultrium format.
The key advantages of a dynamic open format include the following
• Multiple independent technology sources
• Extensive industry support from manufacturers, OEMs and automation suppliers
• Shorter technology-development cycles
• Greater competition, increasing innovation and value.